Hi Ross. There was a recent discussion on another page about possible definitions of “cinema treasures”. The issue was whether CT was going the Cinematour route and documenting every theater in existence, or alternatively was going to concentrate on theaters from past days. Of course the concept of “past” is flexible.

I’ve added my share of theaters which stretch the definition of “classic”, so I can’t throw stones. However, as you have added the two AMC theaters today, it appears that you have provided us with the answer to our recent question. That’s fine with me – I have nothing against megaplexes, I’m just not terribly interested in discussing them. That’s just one opinion, of course. You also have to remember that for younger people the megaplex is the only theater reminiscence they will ever have, most likely.

When we first started this site, it was going to be for “cinema treasures” only — in other words, theaters with architectural, cultural, and/or historical significance. Over the years, we’ve added nearly 19,000 theaters. It would be hard to argue that they all have that. And, what I’ve learned over the years, is that one man’s dump is another’s palace. People argue over whether to add porn theaters, drive-in theaters, demolished theaters, crumbling theaters, etc.

What I think will help this in the future is a designation by the editorial staff (and hopefully users as well) about which theaters are truly “cinema treasures” and which are not. As you can probably imagine, I am consistently surprised by those aging multiplexes of the 1980s that continue to generate a large number of comments. And the 1960s and 1970s theaters that some hated when they were built are now revered by those who love modern architecture, etc.

If there is a method to the madness of adding all of these theaters, whether they are from AMC, Regal, Cinemark, etc., it’s that each entry allows patrons, managers, ushers, architects, etc. to find the site and tell us something new. When a theater opened, why it closed, what happened during the summer of 1983, etc.

Each story tells us something about moviegoing, exhibition, and American culture. While I remain, and always will, a staunch advocate and connoisseur of classic movie houses, this is the contemporary exhibition market. Ignoring it won’t help us continue to hold exhibitors to account, praise those we love and chastise those who are letting down the many thousands who have cared and continue to care about presentation.

For what it’s worth, I’m so glad we’re having this discussion. Cinema Treasures has grown WAY beyond what Patrick and I ever conceived and we’re responding to a changing user base and a changing global market.

Cinema Treasures is a collaborative project and your voices are so important to the future goals of this site. Thank you for your passion, thoughts, and enthusiasm. I hope when we add message boards that these and other discussions will be lively.